Cleveland’s Lake Erie Monsters and their NHL parent club, the Colorado Avalanche, announced today the appointment of Dean Chynoweth (shih-NOWTH) as the new head coach of the Monsters. Chynoweth becomes the third head coach in Lake Erie franchise history, succeeding former head coach David Quinn (2009-12), who was recently named as assistant coach for the Avs.

Chynoweth, 43, spent the past three seasons (2009-12) as an assistant coach for the NHL’s New York Islanders. Prior to that, the Calgary native served as head coach in Canada’s Western Hockey League for nine seasons, five with the Swift Current Broncos (2004-09) and four with the Seattle Thunderbirds (2000-04). Chynoweth also served as general manager for Swift Current. His first stint on the bench was with the Utah Grizzlies of the IHL, where he served as assistant coach for two seasons (1998-00).

“Dean has an extensive coaching background at all levels,” said Avalanche Vice President of Player Development Craig Billington. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and we are confident he will be a great asset for our players. We are proud to have Dean join the Avalanche organization.”

A defenseman, Chynoweth was selected 13th overall by the New York Islanders in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft. He went on to play parts of nine seasons in the NHL, recording a total of four goals, 18 assists and 667 penalty minutes in 241 games. Chynoweth played for both the Islanders (1988-96) and the Boston Bruins (1996-98). He also spent time in the AHL and IHL during his professional career.

The Monsters will open their sixth season at Quicken Loans Arena on Friday, October 12th. Full season, partial season and group ticket packages for the 2012-13 Monsters season – as well as single game tickets for the Home Opener - are on sale now. All plans can be purchased by visiting LakeErieMonsters.com or by calling (216) 420-0000. The entire 2012-13 game, promotional and broadcast schedules will be announced later in the summer.